Millions told to lock windows now as life-threatening toxic air spreads across multiple US states
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Smoke seen over El Paso, Texas in February 2025. Pollutants such as PM10 are typically composed of large particles from smoke, soot, and other toxic emissions (Stock Image)
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The EPA’s AirNow tracking system reported extremely hazardous air over Texas and New Mexico on Tuesday
Real-time tracking of the Air Quality Index (AQI) along the US border registered at 290, which is considered extremely dangerous for all individuals, sick or healthy.
Air quality levels are measured on a scale from 0 to 500: good (0–50) carries little risk, moderate (51–100) may affect sensitive individuals, unhealthy for sensitive groups (101–150) poses increased risk and unhealthy (151–200) impacts everyone, limiting outdoor activity.
According to IQAir, the air quality reading of 290 at the US-Mexico border was worse than any major city on Earth on Tuesday, surpassing Dhaka, Bangladesh (248) and both Delhi, India and Lahore, Pakistan (241).
Approximately one million people are living in the great El Paso metropolitan area alone.
Along with their blow dust advisory, NWS warned: ‘Persons with respiratory problems should make preparations to stay indoors until the storm passes. Be ready for a sudden drop in visibility to near zero.’
‘If you encounter blowing dust or blowing sand on the roadway or see it approaching, pull off the road as far as possible and put your vehicle in park. Turn the lights all the way off and keep foot off the brake pedal.’
NWS has also issued a widespread Red Flag Warning and high wind advisories throughout the Southwest, Rocky Mountains, and Great Plains.
Red Flag Warnings mean that the conditions for wildfires have reached a critical point, and any spark may set off a large blaze.
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El Paso, Texas, looking toward the US southern border and Juarez, Mexico (Stock Image)
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Anyone in the affected area has been advised to avoid outdoor exercise, limit their time outside, wear a face mask if they leave their home, close all windows to prevent smoke and dust from entering, and turn on air purifiers.
Typically, air quality alerts are set off by stagnant air, where high atmospheric pressure and little to no wind keep airborne pollutants from floating away.
In this instance, Texas and New Mexico are both under severe wind warnings, with the NWS predicting gusts reaching hurricane-force strength at over 75mph in certain areas on Tuesday.
‘High winds may move loose debris, damage property and cause power outages. Travel could be difficult, especially for high-profile vehicles, the NWS added in their alert.
‘Plumes of blowing dust will create pockets of low visibility. Visibilities will likely change rapidly over short distances, making travel hazardous in these areas.’
